Lady of the Quay
(Isabella Gillhespy Series Book 1)
By Amanda Roberts
Publication Date: 10th May 2025
Publisher: Hickory Press
Page Length: 282
Genre: Historical Fiction
Knowing she is innocent is easy … proving it is hard
1560, Berwick-upon-Tweed, northern England
Following the unexpected death of her father, a series of startling discoveries about the business she inherits forces Isabella Gillhespy to re-evaluate everything she understands about her past and expects from her future.
Facing financial ruin, let down by people on whom she thought she could rely, and suspected of crimes that threaten her freedom, Isabella struggles to prove her innocence.
But the stakes are even higher than she realises. In a town where tension between England and her Scottish neighbours is never far from the surface, it isn’t long before developments attract the interest of the highest authority in the land, Sir William Cecil, and soon Isabella is fighting, not just for her freedom, but her life. She must use her wits and trust her own instincts to survive.
Lady of the Quay introduces an enticing new heroine who refuses to be beaten, even as it becomes clear that her life will never be the same again.
From the author of the award-winning ‘The Woman in the Painting’.
‘Please let it be the Lady Isabella.’ I crossed my fingers, not an easy manoeuvre in my thick sheepskin gloves, and watched. The smudge was approaching the coast, and I fancied I could see the glint of sun reflecting on metal or glass. It had to be a ship, but was it mine, the flagship of our fleet, named in honour of my mother, and after whom I was also named? It was not only the cargo she carried that was worth so much to us. She herself was precious.
As tensions mount over the ambitions of Mary, Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I of England is fiercely committed to fortifying the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed into an impenetrable stronghold, regardless of the cost. Yet, this heightened military presence fails to deter resourceful individuals and cunning merchants from attempting to outsmart the vigilant customs officers. Meanwhile, whispers of alliances with the French, and, by extension, Scotland, continue to swirl around the town.
In the midst of this turmoil, Isabella Gillhespy faces her own crisis. Her father’s ship, the Lady Isabella, is overdue, a delay that carries heavy financial implications in these uncertain times. The spectre of worry looms large over her as she clings to the hope of the ship’s safe return. So, when the silhouette of the ship finally appears on the horizon, her heart leaps with joy, but that relief is short-lived. Rushing to share the good news with her father, she is instead met with a harrowing sight. Her father’s lifeless form, slumped over his desk, sends a jolt of despair and disbelief through her very core.
Isabella’s heart was irrevocably shattered by the shocking loss of her father. Despite her grief, she steps into the role of managing his business. This is not daunting for her, for she had always been actively involved and knew the ins and outs of the business as well as her father did. However, her world is turned upside down when a man arrives, claiming to be her cousin. He asserts that he has inherited half of her father’s business. Isabella found herself overwhelmed with a mix of betrayal and uncertainty—why hadn’t her father mentioned this inheritance to her? Determined to turn this adversity into an opportunity, Isabella resolves to find a way for them to work together, if what Richard Elliott claims is true.
But hiding the truth about her inheritance was one of many secrets Isabella’s father did not share with her. As revelations come to light, Isabella is compelled to confront the unsettling possibility that she never truly knew her father at all.
“Lady of the Quay” (Isabella Gillhespy Series Book 1) by Amanda Roberts is a captivating story that enchants readers from the very first page. This masterfully crafted narrative draws you into a vibrant world brimming with intricate themes of family, friendship, love, smuggling, espionage, and loss. As you navigate through poignant heartaches and chilling revelations, Roberts skilfully intertwines these elements, creating a captivating story that grips your soul and refuses to release you. Once you begin this journey, you’ll find yourself utterly absorbed, unable to turn away. One more page becomes one more chapter.
Isabella Gillhespy is an intelligent, resourceful, and remarkably confident young woman. She has an intuitive understanding of her father’s business, feeling intimately familiar with every detail, as if she knows it like the back of her hand. She confronts each challenge with boldness and resilience, skilfully navigating obstacles that often land her in tight spots. No matter how daunting the situation, she manages to keep her composure, demonstrating an impressive ability to face her fears head-on. In a world dominated by men, Isabella skilfully manoeuvres through societal expectations, consistently projecting confidence even when her inner doubts threaten to surface. As the story progresses, however, beneath her calm exterior lies a growing sense of fear and confusion about what she is uncovering. With only a few people to turn to, the weight of her father’s secrets becomes a heavy burden to bear.
Isabella’s gentle nature and genuine concern for those she loves highlights the profound depth of her character. The bond she shares with Mary, the devoted family cook, transcends class barriers, blossoming into a heartfelt friendship built on mutual trust and unwavering loyalty. Similarly, Isabella’s kind heart is moved by a stray dog, which she chooses to take home instead of shooing it away. This act of kindness does not go unnoticed by the reader, who grows to admire her even more. Isabella is not just a likeable protagonist; she is a captivating character whose every decision and action drives the story forward, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.
At first glance, the reader finds Richard Elliott to be a complex character, exuding an air of confidence that borders on arrogance. He tackles every challenge with a boldness that commands attention, and this fearless demeanour sets him apart from others in the narrative. The intriguing comparison between Richard and Isabella’s determination resonates throughout the story, drawing the reader to their own conclusions about Richard. As the plot unfolds, Richard’s character experiences significant growth, revealing layers beneath his initial bravado. Much like Isabella, who captures the reader’s heart, Richard becomes increasingly compelling as the story progresses. What begins as a cautious perception of him transforms into a deep admiration, as he slowly earns the reader’s trust. Initially viewed with suspicion, by the novel’s conclusion, Richard emerges as one of the few genuinely authentic characters, showcasing the complexity of human nature in a world filled with pretence.
In this story, a number of antagonists emerge, many of whom are in the service of Queen Elizabeth’s principal secretary, Sir William Cecil. Among them is the new governor, Lord Grey de Wilton. Wilton is an imposing figure, with a chilling demeanour that can convert even the cosiest of rooms into a frost-covered chamber. His relentless ambition and cold-blooded ruthlessness make him a formidable opponent, one whose presence sends shivers down the spine of anyone who dares to stand against him, or even be in the same room as him.
Mr. Young is a vividly portrayed antagonist—charming and charismatic on the surface, yet calculating and cold beneath. His polished exterior hides a web of manipulation that leaves a lingering bitterness in the reader’s mouth. A shrewd master of exploitation, he ensnares his victims in a trap of debt, offering loans that seem tempting but are ultimately impossible to repay. Like Isabella, the reader grapples with the unsettling ambiguity of Mr. Young’s intentions; his motives remain shrouded in mystery. He embodies the archetype of a charming predator—someone you would dread to have as an enemy, but equally, someone you would never want by your side as a friend.
The setting of this novel comes alive through rich and evocative descriptions, from the cosy warmth of a crackling fire that invites you to linger, to the eerie, desolate streets that send a chill down your spine. Each scene is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. Equally impressive are the historical elements woven throughout the narrative. The author’s dedication to research is evident in every carefully chosen detail, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the era.
Robert’s decision to narrate this story from Isabella’s first-person perspective really suits the ambiance of this book. This approach invites the reader to dive into the depths of Isabella’s thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, creating an intimate connection that enhances their engagement with the unfolding narrative. By weaving readers into her internal world, Robert amplifies the suspense, leaving them eager to uncover what lies ahead. Furthermore, the limited perspective envelops the tale in a tantalising shroud of mystery, as readers are privy only to what Isabella knows, mirroring her uncertainty and heightening the overall intrigue of the story.
The vivid descriptions, well-developed protagonist, frightening antagonists, and engaging narrative come together to create a truly captivating reading experience. “Lady of the Quay” (Isabella Gillhespy Series Book 1) by Amanda Roberts is not only an exceptional work of historical fiction, but also a mesmerising tale that captivates the reader’s imagination until the very last full stop. Book 2 cannot come soon enough.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Amanda Roberts
Amanda Roberts is an award-winning reporter and magazine editor with over 30 years’ experience of specialist business-to-business titles and events.
Her first novel, The Roots of the Tree, was published in 2014. Since then she has written a short story, some children’s stories and two more novels. The second of these full novels – The Woman in the Painting – was published in September 2023.
Amanda’s third novel, Lady of the Quay, publishing on May 10, 2025, is set in 1560, Elizabethan Berwick-upon-Tweed. It’s a historical thriller, the first of a new series, with an enticing heroine.
Amanda is a member of The Society of Authors, The Historical Novel Society, West Oxfordshire Writers and Oxford Independent Authors Group.
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Great review. Can't wait to read the book.
ReplyDeleteAmazing review!
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